The Irish Medical Organisation has reached agreement with the government to provide free GP care for under 6's.

It's after months of negotiations over concerns from doctors around resources and funding.

Ahead of its annual conference which starts today, the IMO that the government has agreed to increase funding for free care for under 6's by 67 million euro - an 81% increase.

However in a statement, the IMO says it will be up to individual GPs as to whether they accept the terms offered in the contract.

Minister Varadkar said: “This agreement is a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. It also marks the most tangible step forward so far along the road to universal health care.

“From this summer, up to 300,000 children and senior citizens who currently have to pay to see their GP will no longer have to."

"This agreement represents the first step in the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees.  The commencement of this service this summer will make a real difference to the lives of the youngest in our society": said Minister Lynch.

Kathleen Lynch spoke to Lunchtime today about the agreement: