It has been confirmed in the Dáil that a permit for Santa Claus to travel over Ireland has been granted.

He will now be cleared for travel in Irish airspace in the late hours of December 24 and the early hours of December 25.

Fine Gael TD Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste in the Dáil after hearing some concerns there could be objections from some to Santa’s travels: “I’ve been asked, Tanaiste, to clarify with you that you might confirm to the house if the Government has had negotiations with the Fianna Fáil party on the proposal to grant the permit to allow Santa Claus to travel in Irish airspace if the Fianna Fail party has an agreed position on that proposal?”