Santa, his reindeer and "a very, very large sleigh" have been given permission to enter Irish airspace at any point after 5pm this evening, the Government has announced. “My aviation chiefs have been in touch with Santa and assured him that there will be no obstacle to his entering Irish air space as soon as it gets dark this Christmas eve. All permits and insurance credentials are in order," Mr Ross said. He added: “This year I have been informed that Mrs Claus will be accompanying Santa in her role as chief navigator. However, Mr Ross said Santa added to him that he does not drink the alcohol until he returns home to the North Pole for a merry knees up once his work is completed.

Source: Evening echo December 24, 2018 14:26 UTC