TD Peter Burke is set to take over the role of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
MINISTER Peter Burke is set to take over the functions of Limerick Minister Patrick O’Donovan during his period of recovery.
On the request of Tánaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed to the temporary reassignment of ministerial duties.
Minister O’Donovan was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Tuesday, October 13, after falling ill with a suspected seizure while attending a meeting of the European Union telecommunications ministers at the University of Limerick (UL).
The minister had been hospitalised during his trip to Brussels during the summer and has previously spoken about his experience of living with epilepsy.
Following the Taoiseach’s announcement yesterday, Minister O’Donovan will remain a Cabinet Minister without portfolio.
Fine Gael TD Peter Burke is taking over the duties and the role of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport on request of Simon Harris.
Minister O’Donovan expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.” shared Minister O’Donovan.
Following the incident on UL campus in early October, O’Donovan’s family shared an update on his condition.
The statement released on October 16 said, “Patrick’s interdisciplinary team at University Hospital Limerick are working with him to ensure his return to his department as soon as new treatment has bedded down.”
His family added that he was “heartened by the support for his long-term cabinet career demonstrated by his colleagues.”
Fellow Fine Gael cllr, Liam Galvin, told the Limerick Voice in late October, “Patrick is a great friend of mine. I’m very glad to hear he’s improving. He’s dedicated his life to politics and he’s a great politician.”
Cllr Galvin expressed his hope for Minister O’Donovan to focus on himself and his family, saying, “Now he needs to look after himself and look after his health and his three beautiful children. He’s a great man and I have great time for him.”
Patrick O’Donovan was appointed to the role of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport on January 23, 2025. Before this, he served as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.