More than 5,700 people contacted the HSE this year after being unable to find a GP, while figures show the number of family doctors has barely increased despite rapid population growth.

There are currently 4,650 GPs in the State, up from 4,200 in 2019, but Dr Quinlan estimates a need for 6,500 or more GPs in Ireland

Over 25 per cent of GPs are aged over 60 years, so this issue is going to become more prevalent in rural communities, he warned.

GPs say reception staff are being verbally abused after telling patients they can't join the surgery.