FINE Gael leader Simon Haris has slammed what he’s described as “hurtful” commentary from “anonymous sources” about the health and political future of Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan.

And he said “it has no place in the Fine Gael party and will not be tolerated”.

The Limerick TD has been in hospital since Tuesday after suffering a suspected seizure related to his epilepsy.

It forced him to leave a meeting of European Communications Ministers which he chaired, and cancel a scheduled press conference.

But earlier that day, he was on the defensive, criticising the briefings, which led to a front page article in last weekend’s Irish edition of The Sunday Times, with some questioning whether his health could prevent him doing his job in Cabinet.

He accused colleagues giving these anonymous briefings of “the ultimate in betrayal”.

Now, Tanaiste Mr Harris has stepped in, and said: “l look forward to welcoming Patrick back to his Cabinet duties as soon as possible.”

In a statement released after Mr O’Donovan’s family earlier this evening, the party leader said he wanted to acknowledge and thank members and supporters for their well-wishes for Patrick and his family in recent days.

“While he remains in hospital, Patrick continues to receive fantastic care from the staff of the HSE at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). We are all hoping for his swift recovery and return to work as soon as is possible,” he said.

“Patrick is a valued member of Fine Gael and the Cabinet. He has served the people of Limerick and this party with pride for over two decades. I have been pleased to appoint him on two occasions to Cabinet and he serves with distinction in a key Government department and naturally will continue to do so,” he said.

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Mr Harris, who gave Mr O’Donovan his first opportunity to serve in Cabinet when he became Taoiseach in 2024, added: “The party both in Limerick and nationally is behind him and wish him, Eileen and his children every strength during this challenging period.”

“Patrick has been incredibly open about the challenges he has faced with his health. I have seen first hand how, despite those challenges, he has worked diligently and competently in every role he has been entrusted with and it is my firm belief that will continue long into the future.”

He confirmed he will remain in contact with Mr O’Donovan’s family during his own paternity leave.