CRH plc contributed £45,000 to political parties in 1995 the chairman Mr Tony Barry told the a.g.m.

Over the previous 10 years the group contributed an average of "less than £10,000 per annum" to the political parties. The group made no contribution in 1996.

Mr Barry was responding to a query from shareholder Mr David Healy, a Green Party councillor from Howth, Co Dublin, concerning payments to political parties or politicians.

The chairman said contributions had only been made to political parties which sought them. The amounts given had been relative to the strength of the parties Dail representation.

It is understood the parties which received contributions were Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, the Labour Party and the Progressive Democrats.

All monies had been paid directly to the parties, there had been no payments made to "intermediaries or any overseas bank accounts" and there had been no payments to individuals, Mr Barry said.

The amount paid in 1995 was the most ever paid in one year. At the time legislation then about to be introduced concerning the financing of political parties would have required them to write off their debts, Mr Barry said.

The chairman said the payments made by the company were "very modest" adding that the payments were seen as a contribution to the democratic system.

He said most shareholders believed that companies thrive in proper democratic countries and that a responsibility existed to support democratic institutions. The shareholders applauded.