The COVID-19 virus presents a public health challenge unlike any we have seen in our lifetime. It is also an unprecedented challenge to our economy – a reality that has already hit home for many. I know farmers are thinking about our neighbours, friends and family members, many of whom have lost their jobs or have had to close their businesses temporarily.

Farmers provide vital nutritious food for over 4m people in Ireland and over 30m in other countries. It is important that the EU recognised this week that, as well as food-related goods, livestock must stay moving across EU borders. Animal feedstuffs should also be treated in the same way.

So far, farming and the food supply chain has remained operational. We are grateful to everyone working so hard to keep our sector open – those people working in haulage, co-ops, processing facilities, marts, restaurants and retail outlets.

We have to follow all guidelines to the letter. We must respect the health of our fellow farmers, our neighbours and the wider population. In particular, I would ask farmers attending marts to respect the social distancing guidelines that are in place.

People who have business with farmers must only visit farms by appointment. Those who have no business on farms should avoid them.

Regarding inspections and TB testing, these should only take place with the full agreement of the farmer and under strict guidelines.

However, we need to be conscious that the current restrictions could stay in place for a significant amount of time. The industry must remain functional so that our milk and meat can be processed and sold. This has to be our absolute priority. Farmers need to stay in business and we need to keep the food supply chain functioning.

We will come through this crisis. I want to finish by thanking those in our health service who are on the front line. We also acknowledge the leadership the Government has shown and indeed the leadership in the HSE. The importance of listening to experts and measured decision making is clear.

But for now, the key action for all of us is to follow the HSE guidelines and to stay safe.