Donegal senator Jimmy Harte has been moved out of intensive care as he continues to recover from horrific head injuries sustained in a freak fall.
Senator Harte's family have confirmed the labour Party politician is making a good but slow recovery at Dublin's Beaumont hospital.
He was left in a critical condition and on a life support machine after he fell close to his Dublin apartment earlier this month. Senator Harte was found lying outside the apartment at newmarket Square hours after attending the Republic of Ireland's international game against latvia at the aviva stadium.
His sister, Mary said he was making a slow but steady recovery.
"He's responding well to the medical team. There is a long way to go but he is talking, and recognising people and coherent," she said.
Ms Harte, a well-known journalist, said the family has been over-whelmed by the support her brother received.
"We have been receiving prayers and good will from people who we did not know knew Jimmy and people who did not know Jimmy. It is one of those stories that has touched the heart of people," she said.
Senator Harte is a son of former Fine gael junior minister, Paddy Harte.