CRITICISM of the Diaspora 2016 initiative has sparked new life in the organisation, according to Disney vice-president Una Fox.

Ms Fox was among the first to offer expertise to Irish State boards for free when the Irish Technology Leadership Group announced the plan last year.

She said the criticism by Maura Quinn of the Institute of Directors forced those involved to set clear aims and rethink their strategy.

She added: “We went back to offer a structure to what exactly we are offering, to get together and show an overview of all the skill sets that we can provide.”

She said a wide range of expertise is available through the group, which comprises people from a broad range of industries. The group has decided to publish the skills of each member so that the Government can make an informed decision when appointing people to State boards.

Ms Quinn had criticised the initiative, saying it was not feasible for busy offshore executives to commit to Irish boards.

She also questioned why members of Diaspora 2016 should be given preference over anyone else.

But Ms Fox, from Dundalk, Co Louth, said the offer to help is genuine and came from a desire to give something back to Ireland.

She said: “I live outside of Ireland but I consider myself to be first and foremost an Irish person. It’s part of my DNA. I wanted to be part of an initiative that was doing something to help Ireland, something of value.”

She added: “I have benefited as a professional from the education and the culture that raised me.”

She said there was a sense of “frustration and shock” in the group when members read Ms Quinn’s comments but that the outcome has been positive.