Peter Burke takes over Patrick O Donovan duties during medical recovery

Enterprise minister Peter Burke will temporarily assume the duties of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O Donovan as he recovers from a medical emergency, the Irish Examiner and the Irish Times reported. Tánaiste Simon Harris sought the agreement of the Taoiseach to allow Peter Burke to perform these functions. Patrick O Donovan will temporarily step down from his portfolio but will remain a Cabinet minister without portfolio during his sick leave, according to the Irish Examiner, independent.ie, and the Irish Times. [1][2][3][4]

The Irish Times reported that Patrick O Donovan is recovering after suffering a seizure last month, while the Irish Examiner noted that the medical emergency took place in Limerick. There is currently no timeline for when he will return to work. The Irish Times added that this temporary arrangement replicates the process used when former minister for justice Helen McEntee took maternity leave during the previous coalition government. [1][3]

Patrick O Donovan is an Irish Fine Gael politician who has served as Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport since January 2025. He previously served as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from 2024 to 2025, and he has been a Teachta Dála for Limerick County since 2016. [5]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Simon Harris previously confirmed that he spoke to Patrick O Donovan before he fell ill, but denied asking him to resign or having a heated conversation. Simon Harris stated that Patrick O Donovan will return to work based on medical advice. [6]