Children fearful that Santa may not be able to visit this year can breathe a huge sigh of relief after the Government confirmed that the man in the red suit is exempt from international travel rules.
Simon Coveney said today that Santa Claus is considered an essential worker, and can travel in and out of Ireland without having to restrict his movements.
But the Minister for Foreign Affairs warned children to make sure they're in bed when Santa visits in order to maintain social distancing.
Mr Coveney said in the Dail that the Government regards "Santa Claus's travels as essential travel, for essential purposes, and therefore he is exempt from the need to self-quarantine for 14 days."
"He should be able to come in and out of Irish airspace, and indeed in and out of Irish homes, without having to restrict his movements."
Children, however, should make sure they're not still up when he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve, in order to keep both Santa and themselves safe, the Fine Gael TD added.
"He’s exempt, he’s coming, he’s confirmed that," he said.
"And he appreciates the fact that Ireland has ensured that in a very, very different Christmas in 2020, the visit of Santa Claus will be something that will remain consistent."
Mr Coveney issued the directive in response to a query from Sinn Fein's John Brady, who said he was concerned that Covid-19 restrictions might not be lifted for Santa.
Mr Brady said: "As many families across the country and thousands of young children are preparing to watch The Late Late Toy Show tomorrow, the big question on their minds is whether Covid restrictions will be lifted sufficiently to allow Santa Claus visit at Christmas.
"A representative from the North Pole has been in touch with me also to ask whether clearance will be given for Santa Claus to enter our airspace," the TD added.
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