Peter Burke to assume Patrick O’Donovan’s ministerial duties during recovery

Minister for enterprise, tourism and employment Peter Burke will take over Patrick O’Donovan’s ministerial responsibilities as he continues to recover. File photo, PA. 

Minister for enterprise, tourism and employment Peter Burke will take over Patrick O’Donovan’s ministerial responsibilities as he continues to recover.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has today sought the agreement of the Taoiseach to allow Mr Burke carry out the functions of the minister for culture, communications and sport as required during Mr O'Donovan's recovery.

During this period Mr O’Donovan will remain a Cabinet minister without portfolio.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan. Picture from June 16. 

However, there is still no timeline for the media minister to return to work following his medical emergency in Limerick last month.

Mr O’Donovan said: “I want to thank all of those who have been in touch in recent weeks and have wished me well in my recovery. I am heartened by the support they have offered to me and my family at this time.

“I want to particularly thank the Tánaiste for his consistent and ongoing support for me and for my work, which I look forward to returning to in due course.

"I want to thank Minister Burke for temporarily agreeing to assume my responsibilities in the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport."