Midlands Minister Temporarily Assumes Patrick O'Donovan's Responsibilities

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 14:47

Enterprise Minister and Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke has been given temporary charge of the portfolio.

Enterprise Minister and Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke has been given temporary charge of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

The Minister will fill in for Patrick O'Donovan as he continues to recover following his recent hospitalisation.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has been given approval by Taoiseach Micheál Martin today to temporarily reassign the Department of Culture position.

Peter Burke will carry out the functions of Patrick O'Donovan for the duration of his recovery.

O'Donovan will remain a Cabinet Minister without portfolio until his return - a system that last operated when Helen McEntee took maternity leave.

In a statement Minister O'Donovan thanked all those who have been in touch with the support in recent weeks - since his collapse and hospitalisation at an EU Presidency event in Limerick

He particularly thanked Tánaiste Harris for his support - despite weeks of commentary and innuendo in the media about the relationship between the two.

He also thanked Peter Burke for stepping into his shoes and said he looks forward to returning to work in due course.