ON THE COUCH:Maureen Forrest is the director and founder of the Hope Foundation
Family/personal:Husband Dick, sons Robin and Ricky, and daughter Louise.
Which living person do you most admire and why?My mother Teresa Browne. She has dedicated her life to raising her 12 children. She is now 89 and still drives (possibly a little too fast at times), can dance the night away, looks amazing and bakes unquestionably the best brown bread in the world which she even delivers to me at home.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?Overcrowding, bad management and inadequate hygiene care.
What is your greatest extravagance?It would have to be nice clothes.
What is your most unhealthy habit?Eating chocolate.
How do you relax?I like to walk in the countryside and also on the beach, as I am fortunate enough to live quite close to the sea.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?One of the patrons of The Hope Foundation, Jeremy Irons. Jeremy was a guest at one of our fundraising lunches and I found him to be one of the most handsome, charming and intelligent men who I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?That peace could be achieved in the world, that no children should have to suffer and the elimination of what must be two of the most heinous crimes against children – child labour and child trafficking.
What trait do you most value in your friends?Loyalty.
What talent would you most like to have?To sing like Whitney Houston.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?Yes. I get acupuncture on a regular basis. I find it helps me greatly to manage stress.
What is your earliest memory?My first day at school.
What is your most treasured possession?Good health.
What other career might you have chosen?Law.
What books or films have inspired you? Living in the Now, The Secretand The City of Joy.
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell
The Hope Foundation is a charity whose mission is to restore basic human rights to the street children of Kolkata, India (formerly Calcutta)