The Ministry of Education has denied allegations that state visits to the State Socio-Educational Centre (CSEE) in Dreib ornmay have been staged.

The controversy at the State Socio-Educational Centre (CSEE) continues to unfold. A few days after the publication by RTL of testimonies by former employees of the centre, the institution and the ministry were keen to react.

One source claimed that the visit by Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Education Minister Claude Meisch in May had been well prepared:

"Everything was staged, the school was reopened even though lessons had finished. Only the gentle, docile boarders were brought onto the site, and it was made to look like this was how things were done on a daily basis. They even brought back young people who were at home. It was all fake."

The director of the CSEE responded to these accusations with a degree of scepticism: "I don't know how you come to such conclusions. The visit was not staged. The request came from the Court and naturally we didn't say no because it's an honour."

He did admit that he hoped to show the centre in its best light, therefore asking for the courtyard to be swept, for example. On the other hand, he declined the rumours of having "ruled out any youngsters for the visit."

As for the teenagers who met the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Minister, the Ministry acknowledged that they had been selected. "We have to guarantee the safety of the visitors", explained Gilles Dhamen, Senior Adviser to the Minister.

In addition, the head of the CSEE acknowledged the centre was quieter than usual at the time of the visit, "mainly due to the fact that it took place on the Friday before the school holidays. Many of the young people had at this point returned to their families," he added.

Gilles Dhamen insisted that the ministry had nothing to hide. "All this is very complex and difficult to understand for people who are not used to working in these conditions", he stated. As far as staff shortages are concerned, the ministry says it has taken steps in recent years to ensure that all key posts are filled. All the teams are not yet fully staffed, but there is currently enough manpower to maintain all the services.