Press Release - Sean Haughey T.D.Minister for Lifelong Learning

Dublin Northside Central T.D., Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey has expressed his relief on the release of Irish Aid Worker Sharon Commins and her Ugandan colleague, Hilda Kuwuki.

I was delighted to hear of the safe release of the two aid agency workers and relieved to hear that they are both in good health and good spirits despite their terrifying ordeal.

They endured their horrifying experience with tenacity, amazing courage and bravery.

I cannot imagine the distress which both families of the young women have gone through over the past few months but it may have been of same comfort to know that the prayers of the Nation were behind all those working so hard to secure their release.

For the Commins family in Clontarf, the nightmare has ended and Sharon will be safely home again with them soon.

I would like to commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D. and his officials for their outstanding efforts in having this crisis resolved peacefully and successfully.

I would also like to thank the Sudanese Ambassador to Ireland, Omer Siddig and the Sudanese authorities for their full co-operation and assistance in this matter.