Hundreds of GPs today took part in a march on the Dáil, organised by the National Association of General Practitioners.

They were protesting the fact that there are 26 communities across the country without GPs.

With 700 GPs set to retire in the next four to five years, and newly qualified GPs going to work abroad, the organisation claims there is a major crisis ahead.

In his weekly medical slot on The Last Word, Dr Ray Walley spoke about the issue, adding that many GPs are also finding it difficult to get holidays or sick leave, and that this needs to change.

He also discussed the overuse of everyday pain relievers like aspirin and codeine.