Spotlight on Careers

Every month we interview someone who works through Irish or who uses more than one language while doing business. This month, we will be talking to the most senior and committed civil servant in the land, Santa Claus. 

Santa Claus, what qualifications did you need to get this job?

To be brutally honest, nepotism got me the job! And I don’t mind admitting it as that was the way of the world many years ago when I started out – in the manner of royalty and nobility, this occupation was regarded as hereditary. Yes indeed, I got the job because my daddy was Santa Claus!  Ah, those were the days, long gone unfortunately.

What would say are the most important qualities for the job?

The workload is substantial. A hearty, powerful belly laugh is essential in addition to an enthusiastic work ethic; an excellent memory of course, superlative elf management skills (the elves can be unruly at Christmas!) and it goes without saying that I am the world’s best logistics manager.

Have you made any notable changes since you took on this role?

I keep well appraised of technological advancements and legislation and make changes as required.   For example, I recently appointed a senior elf in accordance with the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 to ensure compliance within the Department and to compile timely progress reports.  I must mention here that An Coimisinéir Teanga was very supportive of my efforts and that he is the latest addition to my ‘EXEMPLARY’ Boys’ List.

Oh! Are there many names on the ‘NAUGHTY’ list?

The lists have not been completed yet, but I can state categorially that the names of any public sector employees not registered with Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí will most certainly be on the ‘NAUGHTY’ list.  Although, if they register before Christmas and get all their friends and family to join, they’ll be transferred ‘EXEMPLARY’ list.

What is your favourite type of music?

Elfvis Presley! Blue Christmas is a favourite song of mine.

Do you recall any unusual requests over the years?

Oh, ho, ho, yes, there are many unusual requests! This year is all about the Labubu, not to be confused with a Lafufu. I still don’t understand the hype.

What’s on your to-do list right now? 

To please as many people as possible this Christmas – with good company, delicious food, and freedom from all stresses and strains of life… & that all civil servants get a four-day work week instead of five.

What is your favourite thing about this time of the year? 

The food, without a shadow of a doubt! Mrs Claus received an airfryer last year which I had to dispose of very quickly when she started trying out ‘healthy’ airfryer recipes she found on TikTok and Instagram.  As if the low fat milk and protein bars the children of today leave out for me wasn’t penance enough!

Do you ever yearn for a change of job?

Well, I love this job, but I also like to keep an eye on publicjobs.ie, just in case... especially now that they have an Irish Language Section in their search criteria. Who knows?

We know that you are very busy during the month of December especially but what was your highlight during the month?

I attended MórÓcáid na Nollag which was held in the Royal Marine Hotel on the 10 December, organised by Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí, it was an excellent event with myself obviously, Louise Cantillon, members of Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí & a Christmas Market with loads of handmade crafts as well as plenty of opportunity to pick up Brontanais as Gaeilge.

What was a standout moment from 2025 for you?

Having Catherine Connolly elected as Uachtarán na hÉireann.