The IMO has accused Health Minister James Reilly and his junior minister Alex White of 'arogance' due to their failure to discuss plans for free GP care with the union.

Dr Walley said that a change as profound as that contemplated for GP care over the coming years must be discussed with those professionals expected to work in the new regime.

The Department of Health is alone among Government departments in its refusal to discuss profound changes in the provision of GP care with the very people who provide the service.

"The Department of Education have no problem discussing changes in the exam system with teachers and the Department of Agriculture have regular discussions with representative bodies for farmers. Why does the Department of Health persist in its refusal to discuss changes for GPs with the IMO?" Dr Walley asked.

Dr. Walley also claimed it was immoral that young healthy children under the age of six would get free GP cards when benefits were being withdrawn from desperately needy children over the age of six, their parents and their grandparents.

The Government has pledged to introduce free GP care for under sixes initially by the middle of next year, with free GP care for all due to be introduced by 2016.