24.— (1) As soon as practicable after the commencement of this section, the Garda Commissioner shall establish a Professional Standards Unit, to be headed by an officer not below the rank of chief superintendent, to—

(a) examine and review, as directed by the Commissioner, the operational, administrative and management performance of the Garda Síochána at all levels,

(b) propose measures to the Commissioner to improve that performance, and

(c) promote the highest standards of practice, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services, in operational, administrative and management matters relating to the Garda Síochána.

(2) Not later than 31 March in each year, the Garda Commissioner shall submit a report to F39[the Authority] on the activities of the Professional Standards Unit in the preceding year.