Schools set to tackle substance abuse

Schools are being sent guidelines on how to develop a policy to tackle substance abuse.

Each school is expected to introduce a clear policy on educating students on the dangers of drinking, smoking and using drugs.

They must also put in place a procedure to deal with incidents relating to these substances, should they arise.

The Minister of State at the Department of Education, Síle De Valera, says adopting a "zero tolerance" approach of punishment is no longer good enough.