The NIO has been warned to beef up its security arrangements for high profile figures amid fears that dissidents are intent on taking out a legal, criminal justice or political target.

Its Home Protection Scheme, which replaced the Key Persons Protection Scheme in 2006, has been blasted as “inadequate” for those who are a potential terrorist target.

Dissident republicans have extended their list of targets from members of the security services to their families, contractors, civilian staff, members of the Policing Board, politicians, members of the judiciary and prison staff.

It has been claimed the recent targeting of high profile figures, such as the governor of HMP Maghaberry and a senior judge, shows a greater level of sophistication within the groups.

The discovery of Steve Rodford's personal details in a prison cell and the targeting of Mr Justice Treacy's home appears to mark a new era in their campaign.

Earlier this month, Mr Rodford resigned from his post as governor of Maghaberry, which he had taken up just a few months ago.

He said he was leaving for “personal and domestic” reasons.

However, his decision was taken after details of his car registration, the location of his home and other details relating to his family were found in a cell occupied by a dissident republican prisoner.

In September, Mr Justice Treacy was forced to move out of his Belfast home over fears his life was under threat from dissident republicans after a pipe bomb was found close to his property.

Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward pledged to do “everything we can” to ensure those “who promote peace and politics have the appropriate protection that they deserve”.

But Policing Board member Jimmy Spratt warned that the NIO’s current protection measures need to be urgently reviewed because of the dissident threat.