Minister Patrick O’Donovan taken to hospital in Brussels after becoming unwell

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O’Donovan was taken to hospital in Brussels after becoming unwell earlier in the week.

O’Donovan was in Brussels to introduce a concert at Le Flagey cultural centre, one of three flagship projects that form part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.

“I can confirm that the Minister became unwell in Brussels on Tuesday night and was taken to hospital,” a spokeswoman for Mr O’Donovan said.

“He remains under close medical observation.

“I would ask you to respect his privacy and that of his family.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

O’Donovan revealed last year that he has a photo sensitivity that manifests itself into epilepsy.

He said he was “terrified” when he collapsed in an aggressive fit while speaking in the Dáil chamber in June 2023.