Limerick minister is absent from Government Cabinet meeting
Patrick O’Donovan continues to rest and recuperate at home with his family after falling ill in Belgium
LOCAL TD and Government minister Patrick O’Donovan did not attend the weekly Cabinet meeting this Tuesday as he continues to rest and recuperate at home with his family in West Limerick.
Mr O’Donovan became unwell in Belgium on Tuesday night of last week and was taken to hospital. “He remains under close medical observation,” said his spokesperson in a statement on Thursday. Mr O’Donovan, aged 49, was in Brussels to attend a number of meetings and events.
A spokesperson said this Tuesday: “Minister O’Donovan did not attend cabinet today. He returned to Ireland from Brussels on Friday night and is recovering at home with his family. His condition is stable but requires medical management, treatment and care to get him back to his full health.”
It is not known if Mr O’Donovan, a big Limerick hurling supporter who has attended all the matches, will be in a position to attend the All-Ireland final on Sunday.
A Fine Gael spokesperson said the Tanaiste and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris, remains in close contact with the family of Mr O'Donovan.
“His thoughts and that of the entire Fine Gael family are with Patrick and his family,” said the party spokesperson.
The minister for arts, culture, communications, media and sport has previously spoken to media about his diagnosis for epilepsy.
Mr O’Donovan collapsed in the Dáil chamber on June 29, 2023, while answering questions. Following the incident, he was admitted to Beaumont Hospital where he was diagnosed with deep frontal lobe epilepsy.
It is understood he underwent a procedure on his leg in recent weeks and has been on crutches for a period of time.
The Newcastle West man has been in politics for over 20 years. He was first elected to Limerick County Council in June 2004 and was re-elected in 2009. The father-of-three was first elected to the Dáil in February 2011. Mr O’Donovan served in a number of prominent minister of state roles before being appointed minister for arts, culture, communications, media and sport in January last year.