A new report has called for a review of how the Irish legal system deals with people in debt.
The report published by the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC)also states the legal system remains largely unchanged over 60 years in relation to debt enforcement.
"There is little to be gained from pursuing a debtor of limited means through the courts by a variety of creditors," according to the report.
It examines how the legal system treats consumers with debt problems and calls for a complete overhaul of procedures that it believes are outdated and confrontational.
Author of the report Mr Paul Joyce said the costs of the current system were high and that there were long-term costs to society.
"The costs of what is often a pointless exercise are not just short term - court time, legal costs, Garda time and prison stays - but arguably longer-term costs to society in terms of healthcare and crime," said Mr Joyce.
"Society should treat the casualty of credit in a humane manner and not in a punitive way," he added.
The FLAC is a non-governmental organisation that campaigns for full and equal access to justice for all and which promotes and operates a range of services to meet the legal needs of those living in poverty.