Limerick minister 'under close medical observation' in Belgian hospital
Minister Patrick O’Donovan was rushed to hospital after feeling unwell in Brussels on Tuesday
LIMERICK TD and Government minister Patrick O’Donovan is “under close medical observation” in a Belgian hospital this Thursday.
A spokesperson for Mr O’Donovan confirmed to Limerick Live that the minister became unwell in Brussels on Tuesday night and was taken to hospital.
“He remains under close medical observation,” said the spokesperson in a statement.
“I would ask you to respect his privacy and that of his family. There will be no further comment at this time,” it concludes.
Mr O’Donovan, aged 49, was in Brussels to attend meetings and events which are portrayed on his Instagram page.
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. Mr O’Donovan attended the All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday to witness Limerick defeating Clare.
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 has served in a number of prominent roles - Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works and the Gaeltacht; Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for Public Procurement, Open Government and eGovernment, and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport.
He was appointed Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport in January last year.