THE IRISH PRESIDENCY has secured an agreement with the European Parliament on behalf of EU member states, on improving protection for victims of domestic violence.

Final discussions were held between the parliament and the Council of Ministers in Brussels yesterday to reach an agreement on regulation for the European Protection Order. This regulation will ensure that a civil protection order, such as a barring order for domestic violence, can still be enforced if the victim travels, or moves, from one member state to another.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter said the agreement will enable victims to have continuity of protection under the law which will make travel or relocation a reality for many of them for the first time.

The proposed agreement will now be presented to member state ambassadors for their approval and to the Justice and Home Affairs Council, chaired by Shatter, which will take place in Brussels early next month.