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, they have until Thursday, December 19th, 2024 to register and, if they do so, they will automatically be transferred to the ‘EXEMPLARY’ list.

Is Thursday, December 19th, 2024 a significant date, Santa Claus?

It is the day Christmas celebrations begin in the public sector! Marked by a spectacular Christmas Cabaret in Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4 at 19:00 sharp! We will start off with Christmas carols and a mulled wine reception, then indulge in the most delicious festive banquet before dancing the night away in style to the sound of many angelic voices!  And the brightest angel of all, Sinéad Ní Uallacháin, will reign over proceedings.  Not to mention an exclusive Christmas Market so that all hardworking civil servants can pick up extra last minute gifts for loved ones.  Oh, ho, ho, yes it is a very significant date!

And did I mention the fortune teller who will be on hand to tell us what joys await us in 2025?

Do you recall any unusual requests over the years?

Oh, ho, ho, yes, there were many unusual requests!  A few years ago a gentleman from the USA asked for a wall... I couldn’t get my head around that one so, obviously, I had to ignore it!

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… & a sparkling new government which will wholeheartedly support the Irish language throughout the public sector with love and passion.

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... Who knows?