ON THE COUCH:Rita O'Reilly is chief executive of Parentline
Family/personal:
Married to Paddy with two children, Grace (19) and Kevin (11).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
People who volunteer and specifically Parentline volunteers, because of their generosity of time and spirit and commitment and willing- ness to take on new ideas.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
Inequality of access, bad budget management and consultancy reports on shelves.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Eating out.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Unhealthy meals out.
How do you relax?
Walk, talk and tennis.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Jonathan Ross for conversation and fun, Noel Browne for his interest in health and the whole area I work in and the late Ronnie Drew and Bruce Springsteen for a sing song afterwards.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The radio, coffee and newspapers on Saturday and Sunday morning.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Listening skills, fun, loyalty and easy to be with.
What talent would you most like to have?
To be able to sing.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?
Yes, I use acupuncture.
What is your earliest memory?
The day I started school at Mrs Kelly's school on the Navan Road, Dublin.
What is your most treasured possession?
Photographs and paintings I own.
What other career might you have chosen?
I was in marketing all my life. If I was to have another career, I think I probably would have chosen to be an architect or designer.
What books or films have inspired you?
Anything by Toni Morrison particularly Jazz and Beloved.
Parentline is a support helpline for parents
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell