Talks are underway in Brussels on the escalating crisis in Syria.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore is chairing a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Ministers from across the union are attending to discuss foreign policy, trade, security, defence and development matters.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton usually chairs the Council meetings, except for commercial policy issues when the rotating Presidency takes over the chair.

Last week the United Nations said the death toll in Syria is likely approaching 70,000.

That is up almost 10,000 from the start of the year.

'Civilians are paying the price'

The UN human rights chief said on Tuesday that civilians are paying the price for the lack of action by the Security Council to end the conflict.

Navi Pillay has repeated her call for the 15-member council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court to send a message to both parties in the conflict that there will be consequences for their actions.

"The lack of consensus on Syria and the resulting inaction has been disastrous and civilians on all sides have paid the price" she said.

"We will be judged against the tragedy that has unfolded before our eyes" she added.

Speaking in Brussels this morning, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said sanctions against the country need to continue.