One of the Government's biggest Budget promises is already under threat.

GPs say free care for the under 12s is a "recipe for disaster".

They claim there is no proof the scheme is working for the under 6s, and it shouldn't be extended until they are certain it is cost-effective and safe.

Dr Yvonne Williams is the spokesperson for the National Association of General Practice, she says yesterday's Budget announcement was a serious breach of trust between doctors and the Health Minister.

"Yesterday's announcement came as a surprise to all GP's, the minister had repeatedly promised negotiation of a new GP contract, we are currently dealing with a 41-year-old contract.

"The scheme for free care for under 6s and over 70s has yet to be assessed and we're facing into one of the worst emergency department crisis' that the country has seen so to put further strain on the system seems very foolish."