Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donovan was hospitalized after becoming unwell during an EU Presidency event in Limerick on October 13, 2026, amid ongoing political tensions over his health.
Minister Hospitalized Amid Health Crisis and Political Tensions
O’Donovan was taken to hospital by ambulance after becoming unwell during an informal EU telecommunications ministers’ meeting at the University of Limerick. A spokesperson confirmed he was taken off site for assessment and treatment
during the event. The incident comes days after he accused colleagues of the ultimate in betrayal
for anonymous criticisms of his health, which he described as a slap in the face
to people with disabilities. I have no difficulty what people think of me on a political basis – don’t get me wrong, I’ll hold my own with anybody, but leave my health out of it,
he said, citing a Sunday Times article attributing health doubts to his own party.
Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan has taken ill at an event in Limerick this afternoon and has been taken by ambulance to hospital. https://t.co/5SqGA0Y25y
The meeting, held at the University of Limerick Sports Arena, was part of the EU Presidency event. O’Donovan, who is also Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, had appeared earlier that day for a family photograph
with European Commmission executive vice president Henna Virkkunen. A planned press conference was canceled, and no further details were released by his office as of late afternoon.
Minister Defends Health Transparency Amid Scrutiny
O’Donovan, who has lived with epilepsy for over a decade, emphasized the importance of transparency about his condition. I came out, for want of a better word, with regards to my epilepsy, for very good reason,
he stated, explaining that public disclosure was meant to counter stigma. He reiterated his commitment to office, saying, Any day that I feel that I can’t continue in the role that I’m in, I’d gladly hand back that seal of office.
The minister also commented on the controversy with RTÉ, saying he was not personally involved in the matter at present. He said he had no notion of going anywhere
following the controversies of the last few days.
O’Donovan’s remarks followed a period of heightened scrutiny. In 2023, he was hospitalized after becoming unwell while answering questions in the Dáil, and last summer, he canceled a Strasbourg trip due to illness. He also addressed concerns about his ability to lead, stating, I have no notion of going anywhere
despite recent controversies.
In a statement, O’Donovan defended his health disclosures. He also stated, Last Sunday wasn’t anything to do with epilepsy, last Sunday was the ultimate in betrayal.
This comment followed anonymous accusations in the Sunday Times that he was unfit for office, which he called hurtful
and the ultimate betrayal.
Patrick O'Donovan has been taken ill at a meeting of EU ministers in Limerickhttps://t.co/eRW8dejNCl
Recurring Health Struggles Highlight Ongoing Challenges
O’Donovan’s health struggles are not new. In 2023, the Dáil was suspended after he became unwell during a session, and he has previously spoken openly about his epilepsy. During Tuesday’s event, he appeared briefly for a family photograph
with EU officials before becoming unwell. The minister’s office has not yet commented on the severity of his current condition, but his past hospitalizations show that his health challenges recur. Last summer, he was hospitalized in Belgium during an official trip and flown back to Ireland on a government jet. He also canceled a planned trip to Strasbourg the week prior to the Limerick event after his team concluded he was not well enough to travel.
O’Donovan’s health disclosures have drawn both support and criticism. He has described his epilepsy as a condition that requires supports
but does not hinder his ability to serve. We can have all the parades and all the flags and all the days
of recognition for people with disabilities, he said, but at the first drop of a hat then, an anonymous source says, ‘Well, you’re really not included.’
His comments highlighted broader concerns about stigma, which he linked to the anonymous criticisms of his health. It’s a betrayal, not just of me,
he said, but of men and women in this country who have to live with life-changing, life-altering, life-limiting conditions.
The minister’s recent budget disputes also drew attention. Asked about the controversy with RTÉ, O’Donovan said he was not personally involved in the matter at present. Despite these challenges, O’Donovan maintained his stance, stating, I have no difficulty what people think of me on a political basis – don’t get me wrong, I’ll hold my own with anybody.
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