Audit Committee Chairman’s overview Jan Maarten de Jong  Committee Chairman Ernst Bärtschi Heather Ann McSharry The  Audit Committee  currently consists of  three non-executive Directors, considered by  the Board to be independent. As can be  seen from the biographical details on pages  36 and 37, the members of the Committee  bring to it experience and expertise from a  wide range of industries, including financial  services and sectors closely related to  building materials. The role and  responsibilities of the Committee are  summarised on page 46 along with the  typical calendar of meetings. I would like to  thank my colleagues on the Committee,  senior management and the auditors for their  significant commitment to the efficient and  effective operation of the Committee.  Ernst Bärtschi and Heather Ann McSharry  joined the Committee in March 2012. They  participated in an induction programme for  new  Audit Committee  members, details of  which are set out on page 42. Dan O’Connor  stepped down from the Committee on his  appointment as Senior Independent Director  in May 2012 and I would like to express my  sincere appreciation to Dan for his significant  contribution to the work of the Committee  since his appointment in 2006.  Ernst Bärtschi and I have been determined  by the Board to be the Committee’s financial  experts. The Committee met nine times during the  course of 2012. The external auditors attend  the majority of Committee meetings and  report on any issues they believe should be  brought to the attention of the Committee; in  addition, they have direct access to me as  Chairman at all times. In 2012, the  Committee met with the Head of Internal  Audit and with the external auditors in the  absence of management. Review of Principal Activities in 2012 44 CRH