“The kidnapping of Irish citizen Gena Heraty, along with seven of her colleagues and a three-year-old child from the grounds of an orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, is deeply worrying.

“Gena has served the people of Haiti for over 30 years.

“She has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti and it is imperative that she is released immediately.

"This morning, I had a good conversation with Gena’s sister Noreen and I assured her that all is being done to ensure Gena's release.

“My Department is in close contact with the Heraty family, local authorities and Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, the organisation Gena works for. The country’s two ambassadors are also in close contact. We will continue to leave no stone u-turned to ensure Gena and her colleagues are released.”