Statement by Minister Martin on confirmation of the death of UN aid worker, Andrew Grene, in the Haitian earthquake

Statement by Minister Martin on confirmation of the death of UN aid worker, Andrew Grene, in the Haitian earthquake

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D., made the following statement after the confirmation he received from the UN that Mr. Andrew Grene, an Irish citizen, has been identified as among those killed in the Haitian earthquake.

“I have learned with great regret from the UN of the death of Mr Andrew Grene in such tragic circumstances in Haiti. I want to extend my own personal condolences and that of the Irish government to his family in the United States and Ireland on this very sad occasion.

He was a true humanitarian, working for the good of the people of Haiti. His post in the UN in Haiti was as Assistant to the Secretary General's Special Representative, Mr. Hedi Annabi, who also tragically lost his life when the earthquake struck.

Andrew is part of a long and honourable Irish tradition of public service with the United Nations.  His family, and indeed Ireland, can be very proud of his work. He was also a citizen of the United States and I know that that country also takes pride in his achievements.

My thoughts are with Andrew’s wife and children and all his family and friends at this difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

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19 January 2010

Press Office