Government confirms that Santa's journeys are seen as 'essential travel' and Christmas Eve visits will go ahead as normal

The Government has confirmed that Santa Claus will be allowed travel freely in and out of Irish airspace and children's homes on Christmas Eve.

It had been feared that Santa might be prevented from travelling and not be able to deliver presents this year because of restrictions on travel as a result of coronavirus

However, speaking in the Convention Centre today where the Dail is stting, Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said it was important to inform children that the visit of Santa to Irish homes was seen as "essential travel for essential purposes, so he is exempt from having to quarantine or self isolate for 14 days."

"We've been working on the issue for a number of weeks now and it's important to say to all children in the country that we regard Santa Claus' travels as essential for essential purposes and therefore he is exempt from the need to self-quarantine for 14 days and that he will be able to come into Irish airspace and indeed in and our of Irish homes without having to restrict his movements."

The Minister added that children shoud not stay up at night when Santa visits as he will still need to social distance and people will need to keep at least two metres away "to keep him and children safe."

"He's exempt, he's coming, he's confirmed that and he appreciates that in a very different Christmas in 2020 the visit of Santa Claus will remain consistent.

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