Leo Varadkar has promised the children of Ireland that Santa Claus will not be subject to the new travel rules for entering the country.
New regulations introduced by officials during the week mean that anyone who wants to come into Ireland will need to produce either a negative PCR or a negative antigen test within the previous 72 hours.
But many children will have been left wondering whether jolly St Nicholas would be included in that.
On Thursday, we got confirmation from the Government.
TD Christopher O'Sullivan raised the issue in the Dail on Thursday afternoon, saying that while Santa and his elves are flat out making toys, he had concerns about the supply chains into Ireland because of Brexit.
This was swiftly responded to by Mr Varadkar, who said: "Santa, his wife, his staff are fully vaccinated. Will be exempt from any travel restrictions that will be imposed between now and then."
Mr Varadkar also promised that Santa will be well-stocked when he sets off on his journey in three weeks.
"My Department, the Department of Trade will leave no stone unturned and do absolutely everything we can to make sure there's no disruption to supply chains or issues that could disrupt the delivery of presents."
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has indicated that NPHET will likely advocate for the introduction of new Covid restrictions following their meeting on Thursday.
Public health officials including the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan are gathering to assess the current trajectory of the disease after new rules were introduced a fortnight ago.
It is anticipated that the new Omicron variant will also form a pivotal role in NPHET's recommendations to government after a case of the strain was confirmed in Ireland on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the crunch talks, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed that he expects a number of new rules to be recommended by NPHET as Christmas looms.
