The unprecedented challenge by Marie Fleming to the law on assisted suicide continues before the High Court today.

The terminally ill mother of two, who has multiple sclerosis, says she is at peace with her life but needs help to die peacefully.

Marie Fleming told the court she was taking this action before she loses her voice to ask for its help to die with peace and dignity at her home in Arklow, Co Wicklow.

"Wants to take her life - most likely with gas"

She is completely paralyzed, suffers constant pain and wants the option of taking her own life most likely by inhaling gas through a face mask.

She is afraid that if her long-term partner Tom Curran helps her he may be prosecuted under the 1993 Criminal Law Suicide Act which criminalises assisted suicide.

She claims the law is discriminatory and violates her constitutional rights to privacy and dignity.

No witnesses are due to be called today.

Instead her lawyers will focus on putting legal arguments to the 3-judge court.