The kidnappers of Irish aid worker Sharon Commins are reportedly demanding a $2m (€1.43m) ransom for the release of the Dubliner and her Ugandan colleague, Hilda Kiwuki.

The pair were kidnapped from a GOAL compound in Darfur on June 3.

Sudan's Humanitarian Affairs Minister is quoted in news agency reports today saying the kidnappers have demanded a $2m (€1.43m) ransom, but the Sudanese government is determined not to pay the money.

The Sudanese authorities are negotiating with the kidnappers and have said that they expect the pair to be released "shortly".

Ms Commins has been in touch with the Irish officials to confirm that she and Ms Kiwuki are safe and in good health.

Both GOAL and the Department of Foreign Affairs declined to make any comment on the reports today.