TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS has assured the nation that Christmas will go ahead as planned, as Santa Claus will be allowed into Irish airspace on the night of 24 December.

Harris signed the authorisation document in Leinster House yesterday, in one of the first acts of the 34th Dáil.

In a video posted to Instagram, he said: “This authorisation will allow Santa enter Irish airspace, will allow him have access to any airports or airfields that he requires on Christmas Eve so that he can get all of the presents to all the boys and girls right across the country.”

He wished everyone a happy Christmas.

Addressing the children of Ireland directly, Harris said: “There is a part of this deal you have to keep. You’ve got to be really good for your mums and your dads between now and Christmas Eve.”

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He reminded them that, as usual, Santa will be working off the Naughty and Nice list – and he will be checking it twice.

There had been concern that Christmas could be delayed this year due to key ports being damaged during Storm Darragh.

However, it is understood that Santa’s workshop, located in a remote location in the North Pole, has received all the parts needed to make a toy for every child in Ireland.

Sources say operations have resumed as normal and – as long as everyone believes in Santa’s magic – every child will receive their presents on Christmas morning.