{
  "id": 15034330,
  "title": "Comments on O'Donovan's health, future 'hurtful' - Harris",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/comments-on-odonovans-health-future-hurtful-harris",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T20:01:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/1016/1595719-patrick-odonovan-tanaiste/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed hope to welcome Minister for Media Patrick O Donovan back to his Cabinet duties as soon as possible, despite the minister's ongoing health situation. Harris condemned hurtful comments made by anonymous sources regarding O Donovan's health and future political prospects, stating such commentary is not tolerated within the Fine Gael party. O Donovan is currently in intensive care at University Hospital Limerick after reportedly suffering a seizure during an EU Presidency meeting. The minister has a history of health issues, having been hospitalized previously during an official trip to Brussels due to unexplained illness. O Donovan has epilepsy and was elected to Dáil in 2011. Harris acknowledged the support from his colleagues and the party, emphasizing O Donovan's valuable contributions to Fine Gael and the Cabinet over the past two decades. He expressed confidence in O Donovan's continued dedication and competence in his role, despite the health challenges. Harris also thanked the minister's family for their updates and assured that O Donovan remains in the best care possible at the hospital.",
  "summary": "The Tánaiste has said commentary from \"anonymous sources\" on Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan's health and political future was \"hurtful\" and \"will not be tolerated\".",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}