Taoiseach Harris says cabinet looks forward to Patrick O’Donovan’s return

Fine Gael Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the cabinet looks forward to welcoming Limerick Minister Patrick O’Donovan back to his duties after his recent hospitalisation.

O’Donovan, the Fine Gael TD for Newcastle West, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Limerick following a collapse while hosting a meeting of European ministers at the University of Limerick last Tuesday.

His family released a statement on Friday stating that his interdisciplinary team at the hospital are working to ensure his return to his department as soon as new treatment is established.

The minister, who has spoken publicly about living with epilepsy, previously criticised anonymous Fine Gael sources for questioning his continuation in the ministry, describing the comments as “the ultimate in betrayal”.

Harris thanked supporters for their well‑wishes and praised the care O’Donovan is receiving from HSE staff. He added that speculation about the minister’s health and political future is “hurtful” and will not be tolerated, reaffirming O’Donovan’s value to the party and his long service to the people of Limerick.

The Tánaiste said he remains in contact with O’Donovan’s family while on paternity leave and wishes the minister, his wife Eileen and their children strength during this challenging period.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Los Muertos Crew / Pexels.