Harris vows full support for Minister O’Donovan’s return to work

Minister for Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has pledged to do “whatever needs to be done” to help Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan resume his ministerial duties.

O’Donovan, who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy, spoke publicly about the difficulty of balancing his condition with his responsibilities. After the October budget, a Fine Gael minister reportedly told a journalist that a discussion about whether O’Donovan is fit to remain in his role is “coming for sure”. O’Donovan called the comment “the ultimate betrayal” and “a slap in the face”.

On 13 October, O’Donovan was hospitalised after feeling unwell during an EU Presidency meeting and was taken to University Hospital Limerick. He is still recovering, and the Tánaiste conveyed the party’s best wishes on The Claire Byrne Show, noting that O’Donovan needs time to manage his condition.

Harris affirmed his confidence in O’Donovan, describing him as “more than a person who has a disability or an illness” and a “good colleague” with a demanding portfolio. He rejected speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, stating that any such decision would be “premature” and that his priority is delivery across government.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Kevin Wood / Pexels.