Exhibit 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 the
Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-_____) and related prospectus of ING
Life Insurance and Annuity Company and to the inclusion and incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated March 31, 2005, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We also consent to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 31, 2005, with
respect to the schedules of ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company included in
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
December 27, 2005