Minister: More action needed in drugs fight

The new Drugs Minister says more needs to be done to tackle the deadly 'cocktail' of drug and alcohol abuse.

Pat Carey says there's no getting away from the fact that the two problems are linked.

He says that will be a significant part of the new national drugs strategy, due to be published in 2009.

Mr Carey says dealing with poly-drug abuse will also be a priority in the next plan.

He added that he doesn't believe preaching at young people will solve the problem of substance abuse among them.

A report due before the end of the year is expected to show that the incidence of drug taking in this country is on the up.