Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has told the Dáil that Santa Claus will be cleared to come to Ireland for Christmas and will not have to abide by the normal 14-day quarantine rule. Mr Coveney said that Santa ” is exempt from the need to self-quarantine for 14 days and should be able to come in and out of Irish airspace and homes without having to restrict his movements.”
Classing Santa’s trip to Ireland as essential travel, the Minister said, “We have been working on the Santa Claus issue for a number of weeks. It is important to point out that we regard the travels of Santa Claus as essential travel for essential purposes.”
The Minister’s confirmation of the Santa exemption came in response to a question from Sinn Féin TD John Brady who 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 visit at Christmas.”
Mr Coveney responded, “He is exempt and he is coming. He has confirmed that and appreciates the fact that Ireland has ensured that in a very different Christmas in 2020, the visit of Santa Claus will remain consistent.”
So, the big man is on his way and is assured of safe passage wherever he may roam.