The Health Minister says free GP care for under 6s and over 70 is going ahead, despite opposition from some doctors.

The Irish Medical Organisation yesterday announced it has reached a deal with the Department of Health and the HSE to provide the service.

The cost of the scheme, which will be available from July, is expected to come to around 70 million per year - almost twice the figure the Government had initially put on it.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar says some GPs may choose not to sign up to the scheme, but he expects the majority will: