Patrick O'Donovan 'heartened' by support as he continues to receive treatment in hospital

'Patrick has been incredibly open about the challenges he has faced with his health,' says Fine Gael leader Simon Harris

Patrick O’Donovan fell ill at an EU presidency event held at the University of Limerick on Tuesday. File picture

Media, sports and culture minister Patrick O’Donovan is "heartened" by the support of his colleagues as he remains hospitalised in Limerick.

Mr O'Donovan is still receiving treatment after falling ill earlier this week. 

A statement signed by the O'Donovan family has been shared on social media this evening.

"Patrick's interdisciplinary team at University Hospital Limerick are working to ensure his return to his department as soon as new treatment has bedded down," they wrote.

"He is heartened by the support for his long-term Cabinet career demonstrated by his colleagues," they added.

Mr O’Donovan fell ill at an EU presidency event held at the University of Limerick on Tuesday.

He was rushed by ambulance to the hospital after a suspected seizure.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said the party and Cabinet “are all hoping for his swift recovery and return to work as soon as possible”.

Mr Harris, who is currently on paternity leave following the recent birth of his third child, said Mr O'Donovan "is a valued member of Fine Gael” who has “served the people of Limerick and this party with pride for over two decades”.

“Patrick has been incredibly open about the challenges he has faced with his health,” Mr Harris said. 

“I have seen first-hand how, despite those challenges, he has worked diligently and competently in every role he has been entrusted with and it is my firm belief that will continue long into the future.” 

The medical emergency happened a few hours after the Limerick minister hit back at anonymous briefings from Fine Gael Cabinet ministers in national newspapers, which questioned whether his health could prevent him from remaining in Cabinet.

Mr Harris described the recent anonymous briefings against Mr O’Donovan from within his own party as “hurtful”, adding it has “no place in the Fine Gael party and will not be tolerated”.

“l look forward to welcoming Patrick back to his Cabinet duties as soon as possible," Mr Harris added.

Mr O'Donovan described the comments as the "ultimate betrayal" and said there was "a very ignorant group of people in this country who think it's OK to have a go at people because of their disability".