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 24th, and the early hours of December 25th.

Fine Gael TD Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald in the Dáil - after hearing some concerns there could be objections from some to Santa's travels.

"I've been asked, Tánaiste, 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 a permit to allow Santa Claus travel in Irish airspace - if the Fianna Fáil party has an agreed position on that proposal?", Deputy Daly asked.

Ms Fitzgerald replied: "I can confirm there's absolutely no difficulty with Santa Claus's permit for travel this Christmas.

"There's been no objections put in by anybody".