The Irish parliament is debating controversial proposals aimed at rescuing the country's banks.
The government wants to buy bad debts worth $180 billion from the banks and transfer them to a national agency.
It says this would strengthen the banks and allow them to resume lending, thereby stimulating the economy.
The opposition accuses the government of bailing out undeserving financiers and property developers.
Under the proposal, five major institutions will transfer assets to the state-run National Asset Management Agency.
