Taoiseach: Every effort being made to secure Gena Heraty's release

Gena Heraty who was kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti (Viatores Christi Dublin/PA)

The family of an Irishwoman who is one of eight people kidnapped in Haiti has asked people to keep the group “in your hearts”.

The family of Gena Heraty, who is from Westport in Co Mayo, also asked for discretion at this “difficult” time.