Simon Harris has confirmed that Santa Claus is an "essential worker" and will be bringing presents to the children of Ireland as normal this Christmas.
With Ireland under Level 5 restrictions until December 1, some children had expressed concerns that Santa might not be allowed into the country by the time Christmas Eve rolls around. However, Minister Harris has today moved to ease fears that Father Christmas might not be able to make it this year.
In an Instagram video posted on Saturday afternoon, the Wicklow TD said: "Let us assure the children of Ireland - Santa Claus is coming, Christmas is happening and it will be on same date that it is every year, December 25."
Harris explained that "Santa is an essential worker and he is preparing to come to Ireland. I think it's important for all of our kids to hear that." Adding a note of caution, Harris said that "of course, the normal rules apply about being good and making sure you're on the good list. But our children have been so amazingly good this year, and I'm sure Santa Claus will be as proud of them as all of us are."
Harris also assured all the adults that we will have a Christmas and said "if ever there was a time to get together with family and friends, it will be this year. The plan now is to engage with our public health experts and work out what a safe Christmas looks like. I expect that by the end of this month, we'll all know what we can plan for in December."
Great news all round for children and adults alike. You can watch the video posted by Simon Harris below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHkqq8_HnCW/
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