A new study has found that the majority of evictions here are from private rented housing.
The EU-wide research was overseen by NUI Galway and carried out in conjunction with several European universities.
It finds that a failure to properly monitor and record eviction trends is preventing an effective response to the issue.
There is also a lack of data on illegal evictions from informal rented housing, where undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, Travellers or people with disabilities may be affected.
The lead researcher, Dr Padraic Kenna says there is a strong argument to oblige those involved in repossession cases to engage with housing agencies, in order to minimise homelessness.
He pointed to legislation in Poland where there is a "no evictions to nowhere" policy.
The research was conducted in the aftermath of the financial crisis across Europe, which caused knock on problems for mortgage holders and those renting properties across the European Union.
The study examines data on evictions, identifies risk factors, the link with homelessness and the availability of preventative interventions.
Researchers found there was an unequal application of consumer and human rights law in different member states.
Contrary to popular assumptions most evictions in Spain, Ireland and the UK are from private rented housing rather than mortgaged properties.
Preventing those evicted from becoming homeless should be the central response to the issue, according to the report.
It suggests that access to rapid re-housing schemes, protected minimum incomes and the possibility of "fresh start" options are other key factors.
An inadequate supply of affordable housing, legal advice and debt restructuring is described as a significant impediment.
The study recommends that all those subject to eviction proceedings should have the right to legal aid and representation.
It also says that short-term tenancies should be limited to special circumstances, such as student accommodation or housing for highly mobile workers.
The report says the Private Residential Tenancies Board here is an example of good practice, when it comes to disputes between private rented sector landlords and tenants.
It also says there is a case to be made for State bodies to intervene to prevent evictions related to unsustainable mortgage debt, by purchasing foreclosed homes and renting these out to the over-indebted occupants.
The report says such an initiative could operate in the same way NAMA put arrangements in place for unsustainable commercial mortgages.
