Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said "no stone" will be left unturned to secure the release of an Irish woman, who was kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti yesterday.
Gena Heraty, a native of Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port au Prince.
The facility is operated by the humanitarian organisation "Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs" ("Our Little Brothers and Sisters").
Ms Heraty was among seven staff taken, as well as a young child, according to Kenscoff Mayor Masillon Jean.
Annabelle Pierre, who grew up in 'Our Little Brothers and Sisters' organisation, said Gena Heraty was like a mother to her
Mr Harris said he has spoken with Ms Heraty's family and described the incident as "deeply worrying".
He said Ms Heraty has served the people of Haiti for more than 30 years, dedicating her life to supporting the most vulnerable people there.
Calling for her immediate release, Mr Harris said his 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".
He said he has spoken to Ms Heraty's sister Noreen and assured here "that all is being done" to ensure Ms Heraty's release.
In a later statement, Mr Harris said intensive efforts are continuing this evening aimed at securing the release of Ms Heraty and seven other hostages.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance.
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Ms Heraty's family have said they are "absolutely devastated".
They said the situation is "evolving" and "deeply worrying" and that they are working closely with Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (Little Brothers and Sisters) in Haiti and in Ireland and the Irish Government, to ensure their safe release.
They appealed to people to keep Ms Heraty and her colleagues in their hearts as they pray for her safe return.
The charity's Irish branch, NPH Ireland, said it was aware of the incident and remains hopeful for the safe return of the eight kidnapped people.
Volunteer physiotherapist, Norma Lopez, who worked with Gena Heraty in the orphanage for many years praised her for her dedication
It said the incident is under assessment and would comment further when more details are confirmed.
NPH International has called for the "immediate and safe release" of Ms Heraty and the seven other individuals.
In a statement, it said Ms Heraty serves as the Director of the NPH Haiti Special Needs Programmes and has been supporting NPH and the most vulnerable populations in Haiti since 1993 with "unwavering commitment to children and youth with disabilities".
In April 2021, two French priests were among ten people kidnapped in Croix des Bouquets before they were released nearly three weeks later.
The same group behind that kidnapping, the "400 Mawazo" gang, took a group of 17 American and Canadian missionaries hostage six months later.
Since the start of this year, Kenscoff has found itself in the crosshairs of the "Viv Ansanm" ("Living Together") gang, which has already taken control of several other localities.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said at least 3,141 people have been killed in Haiti in the first half of this year, where the growing impact of gang violence threatens to further destabilise the nation.
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Haiti analayst with the International Crisis Group Diego Da Rin said the kidnapping is particularly worrying due to the spiralling violence in Haiti in recent years.
Mr Da Rin said while targeted kidnappings seemed to have decreased in recent months, recent events that show that people doing charity work and helping communities are not spared from violence.
He cited the case of UNICEF workers who were released in recent days in Haiti after being held by a gang for several weeks.
Mr Da Rin said it is not known whether that gang had sought ransom.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, he said securing Ms Heraty's release will depend on the motives and demands of the kidnappers.
He said the most frequent aim of gangs who engage in kidnappings is to put pressure on the government about a specific issue or to ask for a very large ransom.
