Waterford's Mary Butler says she is "honoured" to have been appointed Government Chief Whip and Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Mental Health.
She described visiting Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday as "surreal" along with other members of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as they received seals of office from President Michael D Higgins.
There had been speculation Minister Butler, who served as Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, would be appointed Minister for Children and Disabilities.
However, Mary Butler said she is thrilled with her new position and "felt no lesser than any of my colleagues".
She said she is particularity pleased to be able to continue her work on mental health issues.
"Mental health will have a standalone voice at the cabinet table," she said.
She said An Taoiseach Micheal Martin informed her she would be a "good fit" for the role of Chief Whip.
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