WHILE IRISH POLITICS has been focused on the capping of rents, Fine Gael’s Jim Daly had another very important question for Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald today.

During Leaders’ Questions, the West Cork TD asked if the government has agreed this year to grant Santa Claus a permit to travel in Irish air space this Christmas.

As chair of the Oireachtas Children’s Committee, he said he has been contacted by numerous concerned parents and children who he said are very keen observers of the “new politics” of the Dáil and the tendency of Fianna Fáil to “water down” some of the government’s proposals.

You might confirm to the House if the government has had negotiations with the Fianna Fáil party on the proposal to grant the proposal to allow Santy Claus to travel in Irish air space and if the Fianna Fáil party has an agreed position on that proposal.

And if they have agreed not to oppose the proposal and if indeed they have agreed not to water it down, which would result in partial delivery to households throughout the country.

West Cork TD Jim Daly Source: Screengrab/Oireachtas TV

It’s not the first time Daly has raised the issue of Santa in the Dáil chamber.

In 2013, he questioned the existence of the man from the North Pole. The government were forced to release a statement to say that Santa Claus “sees all – even Dáil debates” .

TheJournal.ie understands however that Daly is now a firm believer in Santa Claus, which is evident from today’s proceedings.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar and Education Minister Richard Bruton seem happy with the news that FF and FG have agreed to grant Santa's permit. Source: Screengrab/Oireachtas TV

Clearance to fly

Thankfully, the Tanaiste confirmed to the House that there are no problems with Santa Claus’ permit this year.

I can confirm that there is absolutely no difficulty with Santa Claus’ permit for travel this Christmas.

She said there had been no objections put in by any party.

At least they can agree on one thing!