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                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our reports dated February 28, 2002 for Jefferson Smurfit Group plc, and
September 2, 2002 (except for notes 10 and 11 for which the date is February 5,
2003) for MDP Acquisitions plc, and July 5, 2002 (except for notes 6 and 7 for
which the date is February 5, 2003) for MDCP Acquisitions I, in the Registration
Statement (Form F-4 No. 333-101456) and related Prospectus of MDP Acquisitions
plc dated March 28, 2003.



/s/ Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young
Dublin

March 28, 2003