Enterprise Minister to take over Patrick O’Donovan’s portfolio during recovery

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke will take over responsibility for Patrick O’Donovan’s portfolio while he recovers from an illness, it has been confirmed.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed to the request from Tánaiste Simon Harris to allow Mr Burke to take over the Media Minister’s functions as he recovers.

During this period, Mr O’Donovan will remain a Cabinet Minister without portfolio.

He became ill as he hosted EU telecommunications ministers at an event in Limerick last month.

The minister, who has spoken openly about being diagnosed with epilepsy, was treated at University Hospital Limerick.

Speaking on Monday, Mr O’Donovan said: “I want to thank all of those who have been in touch in recent weeks and have wished me well in my recovery.

“I am heartened by the support they have offered to me and my family at this time.

“I want to particularly thank the Tánaiste for his consistent and ongoing support for me and for my work, which I look forward to returning to in due course.

“I want to thank Minister Burke for temporarily agreeing to assume my responsibilities in the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.”

Last week, Mr Harris said he had spoken to Mr O’Donovan by phone shortly before he became unwell.

However, the Fine Gael leader described the call as “routine” and made clear he had not asked his party colleague to stand down as a minister.

Mr Harris rejected assertions that the phone call had been “heated”.

Shortly before becoming unwell in Limerick, Mr O’Donovan had criticised anonymous briefings from Government and party colleagues questioning whether his health would result in him losing his Cabinet position.

He had described those remarks as “hurtful” and the “ultimate betrayal”.

Mr Harris issued a statement around the time, criticising anonymised quotes from a Fine Gael minister, who said there was an ongoing discussion about whether Mr O’Donovan was well enough to stay in the role.

Mr Harris said that commentary about his health and political future by “anonymous sources was hurtful”, adding that it has no place in the Fine Gael party and “will not be tolerated”.

He issued the statement while on paternity leave and after returning to work last week, Mr Harris attempted to play down the speculation surrounding the phone call.

Mr Harris has also rejected any suggestion of a link between the phone call and his party colleague taking ill.