Pong arm of the law

>> Cops called over smelly crisps on bus... must have been a protection packet >> Concern over 999s like 'suicidal' dog, bird nest..and a pheasant

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

GARDAI were sent to a bus after a woman complained about the smell of cheese and onion crisps on board, it has emerged.

She was angry that another passenger was eating the snack on the coach and refused to put them away.

The passenger then rang gardai and the call taker directed two officers to investigate - but they refused as they “did not believe it was a criminal matter”.

A source also said the officer made a complaint about being directed to the incident in Galway.

News of the incident emerged this week at the Garda Representative Association conference.

The association, which represents rank and file members of the force, heard claims officers are being sent to pointless calls - because of fears there would be complaints if they did not attend.

Delegates in Killarney, Co Kerry, heard that, as well as the call about the crisps, officers were also sent to deal with a 'suicidal' dog - and a birds' nest.

Garda Dan Ryan, who represents officers in Carlow, said: “There's no triage policy with the Control Room.