The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has claimed Health Minister James Reilly is 'courting disaster' by pressing ahead with extending free GP care to all children under six.

Chairman of the IMO GP Committee Dr Ray Walley said that the Minister was being arrogant by implying that he could dictate the terms of 'a revolutionary change in GP services' without even discussing the issue with the IMO as the representative body for GPs.

Minister Reilly told the Oireachtas Health Committee yesterday that he intended to introduce free GP care to all under sixes by the middle of next year. The Government is planning eventually to extend free GP care at the point of access to the entire population.

"GPs are under massive pressure as it is and we will need more resources to be able to cope with the increased demand on our services that will follow from a sweeping extension of GP visit cards, Dr Walley said.

He said the changes to eligibility for GP services needed careful planning and negotiation.