Health Minister James Reilly has said the Government White Paper outlining how universal health insurance will operate will not be published for a few weeks.

Dr Reilly said as he wants to give a comprehensive response to many issues raised by members of the Cabinet about the healthcare scheme, which is due to be introduced in 2019.

He told RTE News that free GP care for children under six this group will be introduced this year but said some of the clauses in the proposed new contract for GPs should be changed.

The clinical guidelines for doctors under the new Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act are expected to be published by the end of this month, the Minister said.