GPs are calling for a fund to be set up to pay for chronic care in the future.
Doctors are warning that Ireland's ageing population will pose significant challenges to the health system, far in excess of current problems.
The Irish Medical Organisation wants more funding for its GPs, saying primary care is cheaper than hospital care.
Kilkenny GP Tadhg Crowley says we have to future-proof our healthcare system.
"If we keep going the way we're going at the moment, we will be looking at trying to create 5 billion euro every year to fund our health services and that's with no changes from where we are at the moment.
So what I'm saying is, rather than trying to take money from hospitals, that we need to future proof our health services and look at creating a fund that will allow general practice to treat chronic disease and allow them the resources to look after patients properly.
By spending one euro we're saving seven euros."
