Patrick O’Donovan consulted on who would take portfolio

Patrick O’Donovan was involved in “consultations” over who would be selected to assume his portfolio, a spokesman for the Tánaiste has said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed to a request from Tánaiste Simon Harris to allow Enterprise Minister Peter Burke to take over the Media Minister’s functions during Mr O’Donovan’s recovery from an illness.

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

Mr O’Donovan – who is now a minister without portfolio – has spoken openly about being diagnosed with epilepsy and was treated at University Hospital Limerick.

A spokesman for Mr Harris refused on Tuesday to offer a potential date for Mr O’Donovan’s return to his duties, adding it would be “guided by medical advice”.

Asked how Mr Byrne was selected, the spokesman said a decision was taken “in consultation” with Mr O’Donovan and Mr Martin.

“There was consultation with Mr O’Donovan prior to the decision being made.”

The Government later emphasised that the reassignment of ministerial functions was a decision for the Taoiseach following a request from Mr Harris, whose “prerogative it was to assign the functions to Mr Burke”.

It also said Mr O’Donovan would return to his role “in due course”.

Asked if the Fine Gael leader planned to speak to his party ministers about alleged briefing against Mr O’Donovan about his health, the spokesman said he had nothing to add to recent comments made by the Tánaiste.

Mr Harris had said the Fine Gael parliamentary party are also “very upset” by the briefing and said the comments should not have been made.

The spokesman also told reporters that Mr Harris had trust in his Cabinet members and full confidence in Mr O’Donovan.