Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called for the release of Gena Heraty, praising her for the remarkable impact she has made in Haiti, reports RTE.
Ms Heraty was taken hostage along with seven others and a child from a Haitian orphanage over the weekend.
Speaking in Derrynane, Co Kerry, Mr Martin described Ms Heraty as the “manifestation of the very best of missionary endeavour, particularly working for children with special needs”, reports RTE.
He said that efforts are ongoing on both diplomatic fronts and through various networks to secure her safe return.
“We would appeal to those who have kidnapped her and those in the orphanage to release them, not to harm them. Gena has done a lot of good for people, and we earnestly appeal for their release, reports RTE.
The Irish division of the charity Ms Heraty works with in Haiti has described her as resilient and strong in the face of hardship.
Originally from Westport, she leads the Sainte-Helene orphanage located in Kenscoff, roughly 10km southeast of Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, reports RTE.
The orphanage is run by the humanitarian group Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters).
Jessica Mullins, chairperson of NPH Ireland, said the news had deeply shocked and saddened everyone, and noted that Ms Heraty is highly respected by those she serves.
“No doubt Gena is trying to put on a brave face for everyone, and also probably herself trying to negotiate her way out,” Ms Mullins said, adding that there is also “an element of fear there”, reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Ms Mullins noted that Ms Heraty has spent over three decades living and working in Haiti.
She said the country has become increasingly unstable in recent years.
“It would be a tough environment to work in and to grow up in … but it just shows her resilience. She has showed up every day, regardless of how volatile or how tough things get on the ground over there”, reports RTE.
“For Gena I would think this isn’t a job, it’s a vocation,” Ms Mullins said, adding that “it’s her true mission in life”.
“She really is an amazing person and just serves with love and compassion and dignity, and she’s probably one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met”, reports RTE.
Ms Mullins said the people of Haiti are generous and good-hearted, and lamented that gangs are now undermining the country’s promise.
“It’s a potential that Gena sees, believes in, and it’s why she’s based, kind of immersed, in the community over there, and works so tirelessly at what she does”, reports RTE.
Tánaiste Simon Harris has discussed the abduction with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Ms Kallas agreed to his appeal that the EU assign a dedicated liaison in Haiti to collaborate directly with Ireland on efforts to secure the release of Ms Heraty and the others being held hostage, reports RTE.
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