Minister Patrick O’Donovan said his daily life has changed dramatically after a health episode in Brussels in July, prompting adjustments to his work and lifestyle, according to two Irish outlets.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, O’Donovan emphasized that his return to work involved consultations with medical teams and ongoing lifestyle changes, while expressing gratitude for the care he received in both Brussels and Dublin.
Health Episode and Hospitalization
O’Donovan was hospitalized in Brussels in early July during an event tied to Ireland’s EU presidency, according to the Limerick Leader. The minister, who has a history of epilepsy, described the episode as bigger than usual,
noting it was not the kind of thing I want to have repeated.
He was later transferred to Ireland via government jet after doctors deemed it safe, with his team at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin involved in the decision-making process.
O’Donovan credited the “fantastic care” from Brussels’ hospital staff and his own medical team at Beaumont Hospital. He also thanked Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris for their support, stating, the support they gave me as leaders of the Government and their understanding of the condition that I have.
O’Donovan previously spoke about his epilepsy diagnosis after collapsing during a Dáil session in 2023, as noted in the Limerick Leader. He described the July episode as bigger than usual
and emphasized that it was not the kind of thing I want to have repeated to be quite honest about it.
Adjustments to Daily Life
“I want to continue in my role, there are a number of things that I think are really important in the brief I have as Culture, Communication and Sport Minister.”
O’Donovan said improving his work-life balance was now really important,
adding that changes to the way he approaches his day-to-day life had already been made. He noted, I wouldn’t also, I think, come back to work without the realisation that I have to change a few things and I’m in the process of doing that.
Gratitude and Public Advocacy
O’Donovan used the platform to advocate for individuals with neurological conditions or disabilities, arguing that they should not feel compelled to leave public roles. For people with an underlying neurological condition or a disability, it is important to show in public life that you can have it and not have to give up your position,
he said.
“I haven’t come back to work without them knowing it,” he said.
He also reiterated his commitment to his role, stating, My own team in Beaumont were part of the decision-making process around that, and I haven’t come back to work without them knowing it.
The minister emphasized that people with conditions like epilepsy should not feel they must leave jobs they love. And not have a disability or a condition and have to leave behind a job that you feel like you’re making a big difference in and have more to offer to.
Timeline and Medical Details
O’Donovan was taken to a hospital in Brussels in early July, according to the Limerick Leader. He was later flown back to Ireland on the Government jet after doctors determined it was safe for him to travel. His medical team at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin was involved in the decision to transfer him.
The minister’s health episode occurred during an event for Ireland’s EU presidency, as reported by the Limerick Leader. He had previously experienced an epilepsy-related collapse in the Dáil in 2023, which he mentioned during his Newstalk Breakfast interview.
O’Donovan praised the care he received in Brussels and Dublin, stating, I have an underlying condition, I have epilepsy, so I had an episode bigger than usual … not the kind of thing I want to have repeated to be quite honest about it.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste were thanked for their support, with O’Donovan noting their understanding of his condition. I suppose the manner in which I go about my day-to-day life has changed dramatically and there are more changes to come.
Irishtimes and Limerickleader.ie provided details on O’Donovan’s health episode and public statements.
