The five executive directors of CRH increased their remuneration (excluding pension contributions) by 13 per cent from #3.08 million (£2.4 million) in 1997 to #3.49 million (£2.75 million) in 1998, according to the group's annual report.

This represents an average of #697,686 (£550,000), up from #616,990 (£486,000), for the five - Mr Don Godson, Mr Harry Sheridan, Mr Brian Hill, Mr Liam O'Mahony, and Mr Brian Griffin. The basic salaries rose by 17 per cent to an average of #407,351 (£321,000). The remainder was made up of bonuses and incentives based on targets. The non-executive directors received an average of #59,141 (£46,500), unchanged on the previous year.

The accounts in the report, including previous years, are in euros. The report contains new disclosures, including an analysis of the components of the 1998 sales and profit increases, cash flow movements and the group's approach to financial risk, interest and currency management.