Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, has approved the entry to Ireland of Santa’s team of reindeer.
The Minister said his officials have been in touch with Santa’s elves to ensure Rudolph and the rest of his team have all their paperwork in order before flying in tonight.
The Minister commented: “Animal biosecurity and import controls are vitally important for the protection of our animal population of farm animals and pets. Suffice to say, every year, Santa and his vet elves work closely with my Department to ensure that his reindeer team are fit, healthy and ready to deliver presents to Irish children across the country.
“Santa’s reindeers’ grotto (premises of origin) has been approved under animal health law (EU Regulation 2016/429) to meet the import requirements laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation 2020/692.
“My officials have confirmed with the vet elves that the reindeer meet the high health status requirements, and movement licenses have been issued to allow access to all the homes of good girls and boys in Ireland.”
However, Minister McConalogue said he wanted to encourage all children to be in bed early so as not to disturb the reindeer or Santa.
He added “With the arrival now imminent, I am encouraging children to be tucked up in their beds as early as possible on Christmas Eve to ensure Santa and his reindeer can get through their important work successfully.”
The Minister added that Irish consumers were fortunate to be able to enjoy a wide selection of Irish food at Christmas with milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeers on Christmas Eve merely a precursor for Irish ham and whipped cream on the day itself.
“Ireland is a fantastic country to produce food and that is rarely more evident than when enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of farmers across the country in producing this food and also to encourage consumers to support Irish where possible this Christmas.”
The Minister concluded by wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year.
