Patrick O'Donovan back in hospital as epilepsy treatment continues

Harris declined to give a detailed account of O'Donovan's condition, saying he would not provide a running commentary out of respect. "Out of respect to Patrick I'm not going to provide a running commentary on his health, other than to say it is a statement of fact to say he is on leave for medical reasons at the moment," he said.

He said O'Donovan's family had previously indicated that new treatment would take time to settle and could require further observation or care. "His family did say that his new treatment would need time to bed down and part of that treatment would mean over time he will need observations or perhaps medical attention or medical care," Harris said.

"So while he may be back in hospital it is part of his ongoing treatment," he added. Asked to confirm O'Donovan was in hospital, Harris said it was his belief, adding he had spoken to him: "That is my belief, all I can tell you is I spoke to Patrick, I spoke to Patrick, he's in good spirits and they're working to get his treatment right and I'm happy that that's the case."

At the start of that week, the Government confirmed O'Donovan had temporarily stepped back from his role as Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport but remains a minister at Cabinet without a portfolio.

His departmental responsibilities were taken over by Enterprise Minister Peter Burke. Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed to the arrangement at the request of Harris, and O'Donovan was consulted on who would take over his portfolio while on sick leave.

A spokesperson for O'Donovan said earlier in the week that his return to work would be "guided by medical advice", with no date set for his return. The arrangement leaves Burke carrying two briefs while O'Donovan continues treatment.

O'Donovan has spoken publicly about living with deep frontal lobe epilepsy, which has caused him to collapse on occasions while carrying out political duties.

He had been recuperating at home after being discharged from University Hospital Limerick following a medical emergency on 13 October, when he took ill while hosting a meeting of European Union Telecommunications ministers at the University of Limerick. On that day, he was rushed from the university to the hospital and treated in its Intensive Care Unit.

On 16 October, a statement issued on behalf of his family said his interdisciplinary team at University Hospital Limerick was working with him to ensure his return to his department once new treatment had bedded down. The latest admission follows that period of recuperation at home.

As culture minister before his leave, his public work included arts and community funding. In June, he announced €3.7 million over three years for local authority-led projects under the Creative Ireland Programme, including Shared Island collaborations.

RTÉ reported the step-back came after O'Donovan became unwell at an EU Presidency event last month and after a phone call from Harris during it. Earlier that day, O'Donovan had accused colleagues of "the ultimate in betrayal" over briefing about his health to a Sunday newspaper.

Harris has confirmed he telephoned O'Donovan shortly before he took ill, but said the characterisation of the call as fractious was inaccurate and that it was routine. The Journal reported Harris said he was "annoyed" that a minister from his party had spoken to The Sunday Times about O'Donovan's illness and future as a Cabinet member.

O'Donovan described the anonymous source speaking to the newspaper as a slap in the face, according to that reporting. Harris has said O'Donovan has his full support and confidence.

Céim a bhfuil súil léi: D’fhéadfadh an méid seo athrú.

O'Donovan remained in University Hospital Limerick on Friday, with his return to departmental duties dependent on medical advice. No confirmed return date has been given.

Burke is expected to continue covering the culture, communications and sport portfolio in the meantime. Harris said he would not provide daily commentary on O'Donovan's health.