The Archbishop of Dublin has welcomed a decision by the government to open a "scaled-back" Vatican embassy.

Dr. Diarmuid Martin says it is "a very constructive exercise" and will enhance Irish relations with the Holy See.

The decision was approved by the Cabinet this morning as one of eight new embassies and consulates around the world.

The decision to re-open an embassy to the Holy See was taken as Pope Francis is viewed as a new and different Pontiff.

In 2011, the Irish government closed its embassy to the Holy See, citing cutbacks.

This government has had a mixed relationship with the Vatican, after Taoiseach Enda Kenny was openly critical of the church's handling of child abuse allegations.

The religious affairs correspondent with the Irish Times, Patsy McGarry, told Newstalk Lunchtime this move was somewhat expected.

Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong are among other countries which will also house new diplomatic missions.

Altogether the move will see five new Irish embassies and three new consulates be established in Europe, South East Asia, Africa and the Americas.

The Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, said "Maintaining a diplomatic presence in every EU capital is an important part of Government policy as it allows us put our best foot forward in representing Irish interests at home, as well as in serving Irish citizens abroad".