A directional valve for a fire suppression system comprises a valve member for controlling the discharge of fire suppression agent. The valve member comprises: a blocking portion to provide a closed setting for the fire suppression agent; a first orifice to provide a fully open setting for the fire suppression agent; and a second orifice to provide a restricted opening setting in which discharge of fire suppression agent is restricted. The valve member is configured so that during activation of the directional valve from a closed setting, the first orifice follows the blocking portion and precedes the second orifice in order to provide a fully open setting followed by a restricted opening setting.