The Government's National Development Plan (NDP), unveiled with fanfare in Dublin Castle two weeks ago, cost an estimated €340,000 to print and launch, figures released last night reveal.
The bill includes a cost of €66,000 to translate 400 copies of the plan into Irish, according to the Department of Finance.
Of the total cost, €265,000 was spent on printing and translating the NDP document which outlines a €180 billion spending plan for the next seven years.
The balance of some €75,000 includes the cost of putting the plan on DVD; the construction of backdrops; the cost of a screen and lighting in Dublin Castle for the launch; the costs of photographic services; the hiring of an audio-visual technician and equipment; catering for the event, and the design of the NDP 2007-2013 logo.
In a written Dáil answer to Labour TD Ruairí Quinn last night, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said there were no costs associated with event-management or public relations for the launch.
"Staff of the Department of Finance managed the launch with the assistance of staff of the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Public Works," he said.
The plan was launched by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Cowen and Tánaiste Michael McDowell.
Most of the Cabinet were also in attendance at Dublin Castle for the launch.
It was also attended by heads of various Government and semi-State agencies and union representatives.
The launch involved a 20-minute video presentation followed by speeches.
Last night Mr Quinn accused the Government of reckless spending and said the cost of printing and launching the National Development Plan would have paid for 10 special needs teachers.
"This is a Government that has lost the run of themselves. How many psychological assessments for children would this have given? This appears to be an unnecessary expenditure."
It is understood that several thousand copies of the plan were published in two forms - a 300-page copy which is available for purchase from Government Publications for €25, and a 70-page executive summary available for €5.
A spokesman for Mr Cowen said last night that a lot of work went into drawing up the plan. It took a year to put together following consultations with various departments.
He said while the argument could be made that the plan could be accessed on the NDP website, many agencies and local authority offices would need a hard copy of the plan.