The IAA can solve this problem in a matter of weeks and it lies in the 20+ résumés they have from current contollers seeking Direct Entry.
1. Have you forgotten the requirement to complete rating training, or do you think direct entries will simply walk in one day and pick up a headset?
2. Even with huge recruitment, the problem of the IAA providing no contingency to cover sick leave (other than an ad hoc overtime scheme that staff are increasingly sick of providing) will always lead to shortages of staff. Despite their protestations recently that ATC rosters do not rely on overtime, it is clear that managements plan to deal with shortages (in many cases long term illness and pregnancies) by relying on their current arrangements.