1996 December: DIT gets degree awarding powers from 1998/99 academic year. Possibility of DIT becoming a university to be examined.

1997, January 19: Waterford RTC is to be upgraded to Waterford Institute of Technology.

January 23: Minister for Education Niamh Bhreathnach says Waterford RTC's upgrading in no way diminishes status of Cork RTC. Department officials will meet Cork RTC representatives.

January 23: Minister says upgrading of Waterford RTC is response to recommendation of 1995 Steering Committee on Future Development of Higher Education.

February 4: Minister establishes high-level group, chaired by Prof Dervla Donnelly, to advise on redesignation of RTCs as Institutes of Technology and devolution of awarding status within sector.

April 10: Minister promises that once Universities' Act is passed she will seek establishment of committee to investigate whether DIT should become university.

May 7: Report of high-level group on future of technology sector published.

May 7: Waterford RTC officialy becomes WIT.

May 13: Minister says she will implement principal recommendations in report on future development of technology sector. These to include establishment of Irish National Institute of Technology, change of college titles to include Institute of Technology and setting up of review team, chaired by Prof Donnelly, to process applications from RTCs seeking delegation of authority within national framework.

May 14: Minister announces review team will also establish process to delegate awarding authority to WIT.

July 18: New Minister, Micheal Martin asks review group to begin work immediately.