EU to appoint diplomat to help with efforts to free Gena Heraty

Gena Heraty, left, had been overseeing the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km south-east of the capital Port-au-Prince before she was abducted. Picture: NPH Haiti Special Needs Programs/Facebook

The Taoiseach has called for the release of Irish woman Gena Heraty in Haiti, calling the missionary "the manifestation of the very best of missionary endeavor, particularly working for children with special needs".

It comes as the family of the kidnapped charity worker asked people to keep her in their hearts and pray for her safe and speedy return.

Ms Heraty, from Westport, Co Mayo, was one of eight people seized from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage, about 10km from Port-au-Prince.

Micheál Martin said that every effort is being made to secure her release.

"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."

Mr Martin said that he has spoken to Tánaiste Simon Harris about Ms Heraty today and that all efforts diplomatically and through other avenues are being used.

As diplomatic efforts continue to secure her release, the Mayo woman's family issued a statement on Tuesday night through the Department of Foreign Affairs, saying they are still coming to terms with what has happened.

“We continue to work closely with Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs (NPFS) in Haiti and Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners who have all assured us that everything possible is being done to get Gena, and those taken with her, safely released as soon as possible,” the family said.

“Gena is loved and respected by so many people, as is evident in the outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far.

"We are truly so grateful for all the messages of support we have received over the past few days," they added.

Earlier, Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris held talks his Haitian counterpart, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, and said the minister assured him of his support in their work to ensure the safe release of Ms Heraty and all the hostages.

Special point of contact

Mr Harris has raised the case with the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas.

Ms Kallas supported the Tánaiste’s request for the EU to designate a specific point of contact in Haiti, working directly with Ireland on the ongoing efforts to free Gena and the other hostages.

The EU currently has a team of representatives based in Haiti.

A spokesman said the Tánaiste has been in “constant contact with the Heraty family, and updated them on these developments”.

They also stated that “different avenues at both political and diplomatic level continue to be exhausted as part of the ongoing efforts to secure Gena”.

" The kidnapping of Gena Heraty, her co-workers, and a three-year-old child is utterly devastating,” Mr Harris said. 

“This is a particularly difficult time for the Heraty family. My Department and I will continue to provide them whatever support they need.

"I was glad to secure the full backing of the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas. She has agreed to immediately put in place measures to support Ireland in relation to this case. 

"This is an important development, ensuring that this case is firmly on the agenda of the European Union and our EU colleagues," he added.