President Michael D Higgins has offered his "deepest sympathies" to people who have been bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic across the country and appealed for everyone to abide by the restrictions that have been put in place.
He also thanked on behalf of the presidency and the Irish people all the efforts of those tackling the crisis, especially "health care workers, GPs, pharmacists and their staff, Defence Forces, and An Garda Síochána".
In a recorded special message broadcast on local, regional and community radio stations today, the President said of those on the frontline: "We owe all of you an enormous debt of gratitude.