Fine Gael Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan wishes Minister O’Donovan well.
FELLOW Limerick Fine Gael councillor Olivia O’Sullivan has spoken out in support of her colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan.
The support comes after Monday evening’s announcement that Minister Peter Burke is set to take over the functions of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport during Minister O’Donovan’s period of recovery.
Speaking to the Limerick Voice, Cllr O’Sullivan said, “I wish Minister O’Donovan well in his recovery and welcome his duties being reassigned to Minister Burke while Patrick recovers.”
“Minister O’Donovan is an example to those with epilepsy and similar conditions that you can maintain high-profile, demanding professional positions, and the condition need not prevent anyone from reaching the top of their profession,” explained Ms O’Sullivan.
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.
Ms O’Sullivan said, “We can all suffer health setbacks at various stages in a career and may need time and support to recover. As should be the case in any workplace, anyone who needs sick leave should have the time and space to focus on their recovery.”
“Politics is an extremely demanding profession, but the principles of rest, recovery and health should apply equally to everyone.”
The decision to reassign Minister O’Donovan’s duties was on the request of Tánaiste Simon Harris, and was agreed upon by Taoiseach Micheál Martin for the temporary reassignment.
Following the Taoiseach’s announcement, Minister O’Donovan will remain a Cabinet Minister without portfolio.
Fine Gael TD Peter Burke is set to take over the duties and role of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
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.