TAOISEACH Brian Cowen said that the Government attached the highest importance to securing the safe and timely release of an Irish aid worker and her Ugandan colleague in Sudan.

“The government of Sudan has assured us that the abduction is being treated very seriously and that everything possible is being done to secure the release of the two aid workers,” he said.

Mr Cowen said that when the Government heard of the abduction of Sharon Commins and Hilda Kuwuki, it began a concerted and focused response.

This was co-ordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and involved several Government departments and agencies, he added.

A multidisciplinary team of experienced experts was rapidly dispatched to Sudan to manage the situation on the ground and seek an early resolution to what was a very difficult situation.

“Everything that can be done at this stage is being done,’’ said Mr Cowen. “I am fully cognisant of the need to keep the public informed of developments, but I am also aware of the need for discretion in what we say in public.”

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he wanted to express the concern of everybody in the House about the abduction. “We wish to be supportive of the Government in its efforts and have Ms Commins and her Ugandan colleague returned safely.”

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore and Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin also expressed support for the Government’s efforts in securing their release.