Exhibit 16(23)(i) – Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration

Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-________) 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 24, 2015