Exhibit 16(23)(a) - Consent of Ernst and Young LLP, Independent Registered 

Public Accounting Firm. 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Post- 

Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-130827) and 

related Prospectus of Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company and to the 

incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated March 27, 2015, with respect to the 

consolidated financial statements and schedules of Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity 

Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014, 

filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Atlanta, Georgia 

April 6, 2015