Patrick O'Donovan still in hospital, not expected back at work 'for another period'

Limerick TD, who was diagnosed with epilepsy around a decade ago, was rushed by ambulance to hospital after a suspected seizure last week

Patrick O'Donovan: Minister fell ill at an EU presidency event held at the University of Limerick on Tuesday last week. File picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026 - 18:17

Elaine Loughlin

Media minister Patrick O'Donovan remains in hospital and is not expected to be back at work for some time.

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

The Limerick TD, who was diagnosed with epilepsy around a decade ago, was rushed by ambulance to hospital after a suspected seizure.

A Government spokesperson has confirmed that he is still receiving care in hospital, describing his condition as "stable".

"He's likely to remain in hospital for another period," the spokesperson said.

The medical emergency happened a few hours after Mr O'Donovan had addressed the media, strongly hitting 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 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".

Over the weekend, Tánaiste Simon Harris described the recent anonymous briefings against Mr O’Donovan from within his own party as “hurtful”, adding that 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.

The spokesperson indicated that no memos will be brought to Cabinet as Mr O'Donovan remains off work.

Some of his duties have been delegated to the secretary general in his department.

"In line with established legal principles, the secretary general continues to discharge the administrative functions of the department and ensure continuity in the management of the department’s business," said the spokesperson.

"As regards Minister O'Donovan's duties, the department continues to operate as normal and further decisions will be made by the Minister in due course."