Gardaí have identified 356 suspected victims of human trafficking in Ireland between 2015 and 2020.
A new report by the ESRI and the European Migration Network has found the majority were female and were trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The study says more needs to be done to identify potential victims in this country, and to find suitable accommodation for them.
Researchers say the study is timely, given concerns about the increased risks of human trafficking following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Co-author of the study, Emily Cunniffe, from the European Migration Network, says some victims are afraid to engage with Gardaí.
"A number of victims of trafficking may not want to report to the Gardaí.
"There is also problem in early identification.
"Some victims of trafficking in criminal activity, such as working in cannabis grow houses or forced begging, and they may not want to work with An Garda Síochána and there can be issues in early identification there."
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