LIVE: Family of Irish worker Gena Heraty confirm her release following kidnapping in Haiti

The family of Irish aid worker Gena Heraty who was abducted in Haiti earlier this month have confirmed that she has been released.

The Mayo native native was abducted along with seven others and a child from an orphanage in Kenscoff in Caribbean country on August 3.

In a statement, released via the Department of Foreign Affairs this Friday evening, her family stated: “We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return.

“The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support."

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The statement adds: “For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care. We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.

“We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there."