Media minister Patrick O’Donovan will return to his department “as soon as new treatment has bedded down”, after he became unwell earlier this week, his family said.

It is understood the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport was in intensive care in hospital after falling ill when he hosted EU Telecommunications ministers at the University of Limerick on Tuesday.

An ambulance was called and Mr O’Donovan has been receiving treatment at University Hospital Limerick.

A statement on behalf of the O’Donovan family said: “Patrick’s interdisciplinary team at University Hospital Limerick are working with him to ensure his return to his department as soon as new treatment has bedded down.

“He is heartened by the support for his long-term Cabinet career demonstrated by his colleagues.”

Mr O’Donovan was taken to hospital over the summer after he fell ill during a trip to Brussels.

The Fine Gael TD has previously spoken about being diagnosed with epilepsy.

Fine Gael leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris thanked members and supporters for their well wishes for his party colleague.

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

“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.

“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.”

Mr Harris also made reference to a newspaper report last weekend, which had anonymised quotes from a Fine Gael minister, who said there was an ongoing discussion about whether Mr O’Donovan was well enough to stay in the role.

Mr Harris said that commentary about his health and political future by “anonymous sources was hurtful”, adding that it has no place in the Fine Gael party and “will not be tolerated”.

“While I am on paternity leave, I remain in contact with his family,” Mr Harris added.

“l look forward to welcoming Patrick back to his cabinet duties as soon as possible.”