Mary Butler has had a year of challenge and change, but is seen to get the work done

"In revealing her family’s personal experience, the Fianna Fáil TD highlighted the “very poor” services for children who are transgender in this country."

Mary Butler, minister for state at the Depratment of Health. Photograph Moya Nolan

Minister of State Mary Butler has had quite the year, professionally and, in particular, personally.

In opening up about her own transgender son, she has not only started a conversation around kitchen tables but undoubtedly made it easier for other families in similar situations.