Brendan Ryan (born 6 August 1946) is an Irish politician and former member of Seanad Éireann for the National University constituency.
Born in Athy, County Kildare, Ryan's political interest arises from his involvement in the 1970s and 1980s with the Simon Community, an organisation which works with and for homeless people.
He was first elected in 1981 to the 16th Seanad by graduates of the National University of Ireland in 1981, defeating Professor Augustine Martin.
The paper noted that "the graduates of the National University of Ireland, the privileged as many would see them, the people who have had the inestimable gift of university education, gave their vote to a man who had devoted his life wholeheartedly to the Simon Community – Mr. Brendan Ryan".
[1] In May 2006, he introduced the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill 2006 in Seanad Éireann which aimed to provide a sound legislative basis for the State's delivery of heraldic services.