People are being encouraged to take part in the National COVID-19 Food Study, which aims to capture the changes in food habits that have come about as a result of the current pandemic.

The online survey has been developed by members of the Nutrition Group at University College Dublin's (UCD) Institute of Food and Health, who are working in collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU).

"Public health issues and national emergencies like the current COVID-19 situation can have significant effects on our food availability and the food choices that we may make.

"Understanding the impact that the current COVID-19 situation is having on our lifestyle and diet is important, so that we can be better prepared to adapt in the event of future similar situations," the UCD Institute of Food and Health explained.

The researchers are hoping to get as many responses as possible from all across Ireland.

The survey, which is open to everyone over the age of 18, takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and can be accessed at www.covidfood.ie. It will run throughout the month of May.